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Friday, September 9, 2011

The Secret of Spruce Knoll... Heather!

Today is a very special day for me. I have the great opportunity to interview our friend and Critique Sister, Heather McCorkle. After her incredible tour of secrets, we all learned so much. But I’m always fascinated what makes people tick—The reason behind their success.

As we all know, Heather wrote the Secret of Spruce Knoll. The most promising YA novel of the year—And the first of many novels you’ll see coming from Heather.

I suspect we’ll learn a few more things from Heather today. Thank you for joining us.

Heather, one thing (of many) that amazes and inspires me is how dedicated you are to your writing, as well as your willingness to support and help everyone. All that takes time... and I'm wondering how you balance family, work, and writing, and still make time for your helping activities. More accurately, where does your motivation and drive come from?

Balance, what's that? LOL! Seriously, I'm very lucky to have an understanding other half who treats my writing as a career and respects the time I have to spend doing it. Much of my drive and motivation comes from him. :)

I know what you mean about balance and the understanding other half. The support from those around us comes out in the respect they share for our passion. Respect is the key. So back to you. What do you think the readers of Secret of Spruce Knoll will love most about your story?

I hope they'll love the characters the most. I know I do!

A character driven story is essential, and your characters are a gift to everyone. I, too, know the readers will love them. I do too! In addition to characters, and people in general, you have compassion for the earth, the love animals, and live quite the interesting life at work. How much of your personal life, if any, seeps into your writing?

When you put it that way, a lot. The underlying tones of The Secret of Spruce Knoll are environmental. But that doesn't come from me so much as it does from what I see around me. More and more I see kids who care about the earth and who are working hard to conserve and care for it. That inspired me!

Isn’t that the truth—inspiration comes “from” the kids. I know that mine have inspired me in so many ways. We can all learn so much from those around us, and the young are no exception. Speaking of which, if you could share one thing you've learned through your publishing process, what would that be?

Research thoroughly, ask questions of others who have been there, and trust your instincts.

Instinct—that little voice on our shoulder that gives us direction—is something we should all listen to. There are other voices that come through experience that spark creativity and growth we should listen to, too. So… I heard that you're branching out into something new and creative within the book publishing industry. Would you like to share with our readers what that is?

Trying to get a secret out of me are you?! Alright, I'll give you a taste. I'm working on a special edition of Spruce Knoll for a publisher that came with an offer I just couldn't refuse. And that's all you're getting for now. ;)

Yeah… another secret! I knew we could wrap up your tour of secrets with one more. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us!

For those of you who haven’t purchased The Secret of Spruce Knoll, yet, clickHEREto do so. I bought six hardbacks and will purchase a few more when I return home. I’m giving them as Christmas gifts! Sharing the gift of reading, and supporting such a wonderful lady. What could be better than that?

This Blog

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Most writers struggle to maintain equilibrium in their writing life. We find that both intense solitude and enthusiastic networking are necessary to success. It's a little crazy. Curiously, we are not willing to give up this crazy life. We need help. Not to give anything up, but to make it easier.

This blog is meant to be a writers' resource, to identify and delve into the elements that help us achieve equilibrium and success. Each Monday I'll post on Writer's Craft or Practical Tools—the keys to writing and pitching a great story. Previously I’ve covered topics including News & Views, People to Know, and Creative Energy. You can access those posts by clicking on the white topic headings above. While the posts will dip back into those pools when something irresistible comes up, for the most part I’m now zeroing in on the primary requirement we all must meet to become published . . . writing a great book. I hope these posts are useful and that you'll leave comments and ask questions so we can indulge in one of our favorite writerly things—a dialogue.

About Me

I'm a writer who lives in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and loves to travel. I write mystery/suspense and historical fiction. One suspense novel, set in London and Cairo, is now on submission, while I delve into the struggle for survival that shaped the undeclared war between Native Americans and white American settlers in the Ohio River Valley in the late 1700s.